Charleston's BEST Kept Secret: Microtel Inn & Suites!
Charleston's BEST Kept Secret (Seriously? Microtel??) - A Deep Dive, Messy Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the alleged "best kept secret" of Charleston accommodation: the Microtel Inn & Suites. Now, I'm not gonna lie, when I first heard this, I snorted a little. Microtel? Secret? My expectations were lower than the price of gas (which, let's be honest, is a pretty good thing for your budget, right?). But hey, a weary traveler's gotta sleep somewhere, and sometimes, the last place you'd expect can surprise you. So… here we go. Prepare for a bumpy ride through my brain.
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First Impression: Accessibility is Key (and Surprisingly Good!)
Right off the bat, the elevator gets a gold star. Seriously. My knees are… ahem… "seasoned," so that's always a win. They've got facilities for disabled guests, which I didn't personally need this time around, but it's fantastic to see. Plus, the whole place felt generally accessible. Wheelchair accessible throughout? Yep, at least from what I could see. This is Huge. Huge to know they actually thought about people. Bravo.
Rooms: Clean, Functional… and Kinda Forgettable, But That's Okay
The rooms themselves? Okay, let's be real. They're Microtel rooms. Think… functional, not fancy. Definitely non-smoking, which I appreciated. Mine had a window that opens, allowing for fresh air. The air conditioning worked like a charm (essential in Charleston humidity!), and thankfully, it wasn't a deafening roar like some budget hotels. I actually slept pretty well (kudos to the good blackout curtains).
I’m more about the necessities. They've got the usual suspects: Wi-Fi [free] (in all rooms!), and as a tech guy I went to speed testing, it was surprisingly fast. Internet access – wireless, Desk, Laptop workspace? Check, check, check. I was able to do my work, and even stream some of my favorite shows/movies and videos. Coffee/tea maker was there for that morning jolt. Free bottled water was a nice touch. Yeah, none of the rooms had anything awful.
And okay, they did have some of the good stuff. Alarm clock, check. Hair dryer, check. Satellite/cable channels, check (though, if you're in Charleston, you should be outside!).
The bed? Comfortable enough. No complaints. The linens were… well, they were clean. And that's all that matters, right? I had pretty much everything I needed. Basic, but gets the job done.
Dining. Or, How I Survived on Coffee & Vending Machine Snacks
Now, this is where things get a little… interesting. Breakfast [buffet] is listed. I use the term "buffet" very loosely. It was… adequate, let's say. Cereal, some questionable pastries, and coffee that tasted suspiciously like… well, I'm not sure what. I stuck to the coffee and made a mental note to hit up a proper Charleston coffee shop later.
The good news? Coffee/tea in restaurant meant I could at least get my caffeine fix readily available. I saw a coffee shop listed, but it was closed early so I guess I was supposed to skip it, or maybe it closed permanently.
They had restaurants listed (plural!). I saw zero. Zero restaurants. There was what passes for a snack bar, which I might have utilized to its fullest during a late night movie watching session.
Overall thoughts on getting fed? Bring snacks. Like, lots of snacks. And plan for a proper Charleston dining experience AWAY from the hotel.
Cleanliness & Safety: They’re Trying. Really, They Are.
The whole Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Hand sanitizer stations everywhere? Definitely noticed that. The Staff trained in safety protocol, at least, and the place felt… clean. I felt safe, which is a huge plus.
Services & Conveniences: A Mixed Bag
Free Car park [on-site]? YES! Massive win in Charleston, where parking can be a nightmare. They actually got Car park right. It's free, ample space, and right at the front door. Daily housekeeping was a nice touch, I’ll give them that. Doorman? No. But hey, you can't have everything.
They have a Convenience store but it has less than your average gas station. They lack everything you’d need, but I got some chips and soda okay.
They also had a Laundry service going on, which I happily utilized because I traveled LIGHT.
But here's the kicker: they have a shrine. A literal shrine to… something. In the lobby. I still don't know what it was for, but it was definitely unexpected.
Things to Do & Relax… (Or Not)
Alright, let's be honest. This isn't a spa resort. Sauna, Spa, Steamroom? Nope. Pool with view? Please. If you're looking for pampering, this is NOT your place. The swimming pool Swimming pool [outdoor] was there. Seemed okay. I didn't dive in.
The focus here is accessibility. You're here to explore Charleston, not hide out in a luxury resort.
The Quirks & the Quibbles
- That shrine. Still can’t wrap my head around it.
- The breakfast. Adequate, but not a highlight.
- The lack of on-site dining options is a letdown, unless you're a vending machine enthusiast.
- The pet situation (Pets allowed unavailable unless guide dogs).
- How the internet sometimes dropped in the most random times.
The Verdict: Charleston's "Best Kept Secret"? Maybe Not. But…
Look, Microtel isn't going to win any awards for luxury. What it does offer is a clean, safe, and (surprisingly) accessible base for exploring the real Charleston. The location is decent, parking is a godsend, and the price will leave you with more cash to spend on delicious Southern food and all the Charleston charm.
Is it the "best kept secret"? Probably not. But is it a perfectly serviceable option for the budget-conscious traveler who values accessibility, cleanliness, and a good night's sleep? Absolutely.
So, would I recommend it? If you're looking for a cheap and cheerful base in Charleston that prioritizes function over flash, then yeah. Especially if you need accessibility. Just pack your own snacks, be prepared to explore the city for your dining needs, and prepare to be slightly… bemused by the aforementioned shrine. You won't be disappointed. It's not perfect, but it's… fine. And sometimes, "fine" is all you need. This is a place to sleep well and safely with good accessibility. And that's important!
P.S. Get that coffee elsewhere. You'll thank me later.
Charleston Courtyard Escape: Summerville's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-ironed itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered truth about conquering the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Charleston South South Charleston (WV) United States. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable life choices, and a whole lotta caffeine.
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (and a surprisingly comfy bed)
3:00 PM: Alright, let's be honest. I'm already regretting this trip. Traffic getting into Charleston felt like being trapped in a slow-motion car crash. And the smell… well, let's just say I'm not used to the aroma of whatever chemical plant is apparently my new neighbor. Found Microtel, got the key, and the lobby… it's giving "budget-friendly motel that secretly wants to be a quirky art gallery". I feel like the portrait of the guy with the suspiciously yellow teeth is judging me.
3:30 PM: Room check! Okay, the bed is seriously comfortable. Like, "sink-in-and-forget-all-your-problems" comfortable. This immediately elevates the experience from "meh" to "potentially salvageable". But the carpet… I strongly suspect it has a personal story to tell. Probably involving spilled soda and existential dread.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Unpacking, which mostly involves flinging my suitcase open and letting everything explode onto the bed. Decided to take a break after realizing my jeans are covered in mysterious spots… that is gonna need to be washed.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Wandered aimlessly around the hotel. Found the vending machine! Which, miraculously, had my preferred soda. Success! But the ice machine… well, let's just say its output looked suspiciously like a frozen, plastic-flavored glacier.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner at… uh… Okay, I'm pulling up Google Maps. "Best rated restaurants near me"… The search has begun. After 20 minutes, I got a place (let's just say it's "generic American diner"). Food was… fine. Nothing to write home about. But hey, at least they had fries. And the waitress, bless her heart, had seen it all. I'm pretty sure she knew I was judging the place the instant I walked in.
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Tried to use the WiFi. "Weak signal". I should have expected that. Now, to read my email in the lobby…
9:00 PM - 10:00 PM: TV time! Channel surfing until I find something mindless enough to switch off my brain. Found a show about competitive… cringe… log rolling. Honestly, the perfect representation of the state of my life right now.
10:00 PM: Bedtime! The bed is calling my name. Goodbye, world… until tomorrow, when I inevitably spill coffee on the carpet.
Day 2: Quest for the Heart of West Virginia (and the perfect cup of coffee)
7:00 AM: The promised land! The bed has delivered on its promise. Woke up feeling… okay! The shower head provided a decent enough morning shower.
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM: Free breakfast at the Microtel! (Insert dramatic music). The breakfast buffet is… an experience. Waffles are suspiciously uniform. "Is it good?" you ask. Well, let's just say they're not bad. There are some questionable looking sausages. But hey, free breakfast is free breakfast, right? Coffee is… well, it's working.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Decided to be "cultured" and venture out. Charleston is pretty quirky. Found a local park. It’s a little run down, but hey, character! Met a very friendly squirrel… who probably wanted my breakfast.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: I got lost. Seriously. I swear, the signs here are designed to confuse you. Started roaming toward the State Capitol Building. After a little meandering, I got there. So, it's like the architectural style of a fancy wedding cake if a giant had a penchant for columns. Pretty majestic, actually. Then, of course, I got turned around on the way back to the hotel. Maybe I'm just bad at navigating or maybe the charm of this town's chaotic beauty has a hold on me. I am pretty sure it’s the first.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Back at the hotel for lunch! I ordered a sandwich from a local sandwich shop. Surprisingly good. The guy working at the counter was chatty, and told me all about the history of the sandwich shop.
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Time to work. I try to be productive, but it's like trying to focus during a rollercoaster ride.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Found a local brewery in town! (insert dramatic music again). The beer was passable, but the company was amazing. I ended up chatting with a local about the area for hours. It turned out to be a really nice experience.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Another dinner. I ended up going to the same place again. I am that predictable.
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Walking around the hotel to stretch my legs. Decided to take a dip. The pool situation? Let's just say it's seen better days. The water was cold, and the surroundings had a distinct "hospital cafeteria" vibe. I lasted about five minutes.
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Laundry. Yes, I have laundry to do. The laundry room is reminiscent of the beginning of a slasher film. But hey, at least the machines work!
9:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Back in the room, trying to write. But my brain is fried. The TV is on. Log rolling is on (again).
10:00 PM: Good night, West Virginia. Maybe tomorrow, I'll actually accomplish something (besides eating waffles and getting lost).
Day 3: Departure & Self-Reflection (mostly anxiety-induced)
7:00 AM: Woke up. More waffles. More questionable sausage. Must. Get. Out.
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM: One last wander around the hotel before I leave. I can't believe I have to go home. I am not ready.
9:00 AM: Checked out. The whole experience of staying here was just… an experience. The Microtel itself? Fine. The real magic was the city… and the people I met.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM: The drive. The highway is filled with… well, a whole lot of nothing. But that’s okay. It gave me time to process.
11:00 AM: Goodbye, West Virginia. You were weird. You were quirky. You were… an experience. I may never come back. I probably will. I always do.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Time for some food. I am hungry.
12:00 PM: Get home. I still have a suitcase full of dirty clothes. And the laundry. I can't delay it anymore. The end! See ya next time, world.
So, what *is* this mystical Microtel everyone's whispering about?
Oh, honey, it's The Charleston Microtel Inn & Suites. Think of it as the slightly-less-glamorous cousin of the grand hotels you see plastered all over Instagram. But maybe that's the appeal, right? It's a place to crash, recharge, and, let's be honest, probably question your life choices at 3 AM when you hear the… shall we say… *unique* sounds of the plumbing. It really is a crapshoot, sometimes!
Is it actually a "best kept secret" though? Seems... unlikely.
Okay, "best kept secret" is a *strong* phrase. Let's call it "a functional option for when you've spent all of your Charleston budget on overpriced shrimp and grits." It's not hidden from the world. It's more like… a comfortable secret *among the budget travelers and the people who simply don't care*. Look, it's far from perfect. But for what you pay, and considering the absolutely insane accommodation prices in Charleston, it's… *acceptable*. Sometimes. (More on that later…)
What's the deal with the location? Is it actually *in* Charleston?
Yes, it's *technically* in Charleston. It's not smack-dab in the historic district, mind you. You're looking at a drive. And I mean, a *drive*. Traffic in Charleston is a beast. Factor in extra time, always. Otherwise, you will be swearing. Especially if it involves those blasted one-way streets. But hey, at least you can leave your car at the hotel. It has a parking lot. And it might not be in the center of absolutely everything, but I'd say you're closer to *something* than you might expect.
Alright, let's talk about the rooms. Are they… clean?
Okay, this is the *million-dollar* question, isn't it? Look, I've stayed in worse. I've also stayed in *much* better. It really depends. Sometimes, you walk in and it's… perfectly fine. Clean, tidy, a little… beige, but fine. Other times? Let's just say you might want to check under the bed before you get comfy. And maybe bring your own antibacterial wipes, just in case. You know, just for peace of mind. It's generally... alright. But expectations management is key here, friends.
Breakfast: The classic hotel conundrum. What's the spread like?
Oh, the breakfast. God bless the breakfast. It's… included. And it’s your standard continental fare. Think: pre-packaged pastries, maybe some sad-looking fruit that's seen better days, and always – *always* – a waffle maker with a line. It's perfectly edible, and hey, it's free. Don't go in expecting a gourmet experience. It's fuel. Fuel for exploring Charleston, before you're actually able to afford the good food.
The Pool. Is there a pool? And is it… usable?
There is indeed a pool! And... well. Sometimes it's sparkly and inviting. Other times, it's got leaves in it and the chlorine smell is STRONG. I once saw a rogue pool noodle floating in there for three days. It's a coin toss. It's definitely not a luxury pool. But hey, a quick dip can be a good way to cool off in the Charleston humidity. Just… maybe bring your own goggles. And don't swallow any water. Seriously.
What's the Wi-Fi situation? Do I have to worry about being unplugged?
The Wi-Fi is… functional. Don't expect lightning-fast speeds. You're probably going to be able to check emails and maybe stream something if you're lucky. I wouldn't bank on conducting a Zoom meeting from your room. Also, be careful, my friend once thought he'd be slick to stream his vacation, and the Wi-Fi died halfway through the intro. Embarrassing.
Okay, tell me about the *people*. What are the staff like?
This is where things get interesting. The staff? Well, it depends. Some are absolutely lovely, friendly, and helpful. You'll feel like you're being welcomed into a family. Others… well, let's just say they're efficient. They get the job done. I've never had a truly *bad* experience, but the enthusiasm level varies. I think they're just overworked sometimes. But hey, they’re usually happy to help! The staff always seems to show up on the good days.
Is there anything *good* about it? Besides the price, I mean?
Okay, yes! Besides the price, and the location, and the… well, the *fact* that it's a roof over your head… I often found some incredible little things. Like the time I just wanted to cry in my room, and the tv cable service actually had some good things to watch. Or when I came back to the hotel from a walk, all hot and sweaty; the A/C kicked that right out of me. And the people who stay there, well, mostly they’re all looking to have a good time. The charm of the place sneaks up on you. It’s… character-building. And seriously, its convenient location. Seriously. You're not going to be staring out from the balcony at the history of Charleston, but it’s fine. It’s fine. Really.
Alright, the *one* crazy experience. Give me the dirt. Spill the tea. What's the *craziest* thing that's happened here?
Oh, boy. Where do I even *start*? Okay, fine. I'll give you the story of the Great Plumbing Debacle of '22. I was there with a friend, we'd just come back from the best day exploring Charleston. We were exhausted, ready to crash. And at 2:00 AM, we woke up to… well, let's just say the sound of Niagara Falls erupting from the bathroom ceiling. *Water. Everywhere.* I mean, sheets, luggage, the cheap carpet… soaked. We called the front desk, andHidden Stay
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